On the occasion of the International Day of Social Justice, Caritas Luxembourg seized the opportunity to outline its advocacy efforts in the ongoing fight against poverty.

Marc Crochet, Director of Caritas, voiced disappointment regarding one of the new government's first measures: the begging ban. Crochet emphasised the fundamental right to both offer and seek assistance, denouncing the ban as "regrettable," and stating, "It is in fact absurd that there should be a ban on begging at all." Caritas President Marie-Josée Jacobs echoed these sentiments, urging a focus on improving support mechanisms for individuals in need, rather than punitive measures.

While commending the government's prioritisation of poverty alleviation and child welfare, Caritas expressed reservations about proposed strategies to revitalise the housing market. According to political spokesperson Carole Reckinger, the proposed measures appear to favour property owners and developers over individuals with limited resources. Additionally, concerns were raised about the adequacy of the rent subsidy increase and the lack of awareness among eligible individuals.

A key point of discussion during the press conference was Caritas' call for reforms to enhance the effectiveness of the Social Inclusion Income (REVIS). With over 7,500 children in Luxembourg residing in households benefiting from REVIS, Caritas emphasised the potential of the programme to provide substantial support. The Caritas representatives acknowledged that the REVIS would be more effective than its predecessor, the RMG, noting that families with children would receive 43% more and single parents 17% more compared to the previous programme. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (STATEC), a family that receives the REVIS and applies for all other social benefits would have enough to live decently. However, despite these improvements, challenges persist, particularly for individuals unable to secure full-time employment, resulting in insufficient income to meet basic needs, Reckinger pointed out.

Another problem, according to Caritas, is that REVIS takes the entire household into account. According to Caritas representatives, if a young adult child contributes to the household income while residing with their family, their earnings are factored into the household's eligibility for REVIS. This arrangement can hinder the individual's ability to establish financial independence and pursue personal goals. Similarly, Caritas raises concerns about refugees residing with host families potentially losing their entitlement to REVIS due to household-based assessments.

Reckinger underscored that addressing the challenges faced by individuals with limited financial resources requires more than just financial assistance. Many entitled benefits fail to reach those in need. Caritas advocates for streamlining administrative processes, including the implementation of automatic mechanisms to ensure individuals receive all entitled benefits seamlessly. Additionally, Caritas deems simplifying the language used in administrative correspondence essential to enhance accessibility.

Caritas also emphasises the importance of strengthening the role of social workers in providing support. The organisation calls for the establishment of dedicated case workers to provide consistent assistance to those in need, rather than sporadic support from various individuals.

In 2023, Caritas received €3.3 million in donations. Caritas has committed to investing additional resources in its work in Luxembourg, Crochet said. It would be a practical decision on the one hand, but also a response to increasing demands on the other, Jacobs added.